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BEEF FARMERS OFFERED POT KITS

He's an unlikely ally for Alberta beef producers whose businesses have gone
to pot, but Marc Emery wants ranchers to know they have plenty of "buds" in
B.C.

Emery, a.k.a. the Prince of Pot, president of the B.C. Marijuana Party --
and a firm vegetarian -- is offering free grow-op starter kits to anyone
who has cattle on their property and wants to make a little extra green as
the mad cow crisis continues.

"If you've got a ranch or farm and you're not making any money, we'll give
you the equipment to get started," said Emery, from his Vancouver home.
"This will be much more profitable than what they've done previously."

The total retail value of the kit, which includes a 1,000-watt light bulb,
soil, nutrients, seeds and a grow manual, is $600 to $800, but Emery says a
single pound of marijuana can earn its grower $2,000, with a harvest once
every two months.

The twice mayoral candidate in Canada's cannabis capital will even make
house calls to install the equipment, and promises to help on the marketing
end.

"If you've got good pot, you can sell it fast," said Emery.

Alberta ranchers laughed when they heard about the strange offer.

"It sounds like a joke, but we need a few things to laugh about right now,"
said Brian Edge, a veterinarian who also operates a ranch near Cochrane.

Edge says he isn't looking to get into a new racket. "Most farmers are
still honest and hard working and don't think that way."

Brad Calvert, a third-generation rancher from Brooks, couldn't imagine why
anybody would risk their homes and reputations for a shed full of the
illicit weed.

"I don't think a rancher would have the marketing skills or the connections
to make a go in that business," said Calvert. "We don't need that kind of
help. We're a pretty reputable bunch."

The ranchers' thoughts were echoed by those of the Alberta Beef Producers.

"The politics in the beef industry are difficult enough without getting
into the marijuana industry," said producer spokesman Ron Glaser.

He said as they wait for the U.S. to open its border to Canadian livestock
that has been banned since last spring, ranchers have found innovative --
and legitimate -- ways to keep their operations afloat. Glaser's heard of
families who have branded food or other product lines, opened restaurants
and B&Bs, or pursued opportunities in the province's movie industry.

With the exception of a Manitoba farmer who has shown some interest, Emery
said nobody has asked for a rush delivery on the kit.

As the publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine, producer of Pot-TV, and one
of the world's biggest dealers in marijuana seeds, Emery also admits the
offer is helping him achieve his political objectives.

Staff Sgt. Birnie Smith, commander of the Calgary RCMP drug section,
doesn't expect he'll be forced to bust any ranchers, but says if he was
required to, those breaking the law would be treated the same as their
urban counterparts.

"We would treat it like any other offence," he said.

Emery may have few takers, but it appears the trade won't be going up in
smoke anytime soon.